Alpine boss rejects links with Vladimir Putin-backed Russian Businessman

The Alpine F1 team was caught in the latest controversy regarding the ongoing Russia and Ukraine war. The Three-year war, which started in 2022, has become an endless war. Both nations have suffered millions of casualties, and the talks for peace are ongoing now. 

Alpine Team link with Russia?

During the pre-season testing session in Bahrain, Dmitry Mazepin, a russian businessman and a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was spotted inside the Alpine garage. As the war started, the F1 and many sports organisations banned Russian athletes.

Dmitry’s son, Nikita Mazepin, was also an F1 driver for the Haas F1 team. He was sacked with immediate effect after Russia invaded Ukraine. The Russian businessman owned the Uralkali brand and was the title sponsor of the Haas F1 team at that time. NIkita Mazepin had a five-year contract with Haas, but due to the war, it was all terminated, and he was kicked out of Formula 1. But during the F1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, Dimitry was spotted at the Alpine F1 camp. 

He was speaking with Alpine Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore, and many questioned the legality of Alpine leadership speaking with a russian businessman. Alpine boss Oliver Oakes has now clarified the meeting. Oakes said, “Yes. I’ve said hello to him, but I haven’t met him. Yes, he’s a friend of mine. Yes, I used to be with him at Hitech. He was here catching up with another friend of his. It’s nice to see him. I’m not going to go into that; the world’s a crazy place.”

According to their inner circle, Dmitry Mazepin was on a personal visit to meet his friend, and though he was not part of F1, he is still keeping in touch with many of his friends inside Formula 1. Nikita Mazepin is fighting hard to make his way back to Formula 1. But it won't happen soon, even if the war ends today. The Aftermath of the war will decide the future of russian athletes in international sports. 

Also Read: Max Verstappen and Carlos Alcaraz nominated for 2025 Laureus world sportsman of the year.